Freightliner, Diesel Direct Develop Diesel Electric Hybrid Fuel Truck
Sep 17, 2010 9:03 AM
Diesel Direct and Freightliner Trucks have combined to develop what they say is the first-ever diesel electric hybrid fuel truck – a Freightliner Business ClassM2 106 Hybrid that will be used to deliver fuel to fleets primarily in Massachusetts.
Boston-based Diesel Direct uses custom-designed delivery trucks to provide on-site diesel refueling services to national, regional and local fleets, tanks and equipment throughout the United States. One of the nation’s largest mobile refuelers, Diesel Direct delivers fuel to Fortune 500 firms and private companies.
“Because our goal is to provide our customers with a reliable and efficient solution that reduces driver downtime, it’s imperative that our equipment is of the highest quality,” said Dan Abrams, founder and president of Diesel Direct. “That’s why, when we decided to develop our new diesel electric hybrid fuel truck, we turned to Freightliner Trucks.”
Diesel Direct’s Freightliner Business Class M2 106 features the Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System, a parallel hybrid system that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor.
“One of our biggest expenses is just to fuel our own trucks,” said Abrams. “With the new Freightliner truck, we expect to save at least 25 to 30 percent in fuel consumption.”
And according to Abrams, Diesel Direct also sought to create an alternative solution to not only save money on fuel, but to be a good neighbor.
“With our new electric hybrid truck, we can shut off the engine while pumping fuel, which not only significantly reduces fuel consumption, but greatly decreases noise,” said Abrams. “We often pump fuel at night and in residential neighborhoods, so it’s a real benefit.”
The versatile Freightliner Business Class M2 106 is the ideal platform for a variety of applications, especially in urban environments where maneuverability and visibility are top priorities. Abrams noted that the Freightliner Business Class M2 106 also features great visibility and functionality, plus a comfortable, smooth ride.
“The team really loves this truck – it is a sweet piece of machinery,” said Abrams. “It has been a pleasure working with Freightliner team on this project. They are an attentive group that listens to our needs and are true partners.”
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